Overview: near vs far
| Distance | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Near (here) | this | these |
| Far (there) | that | those |
How to remember:
this / these — both have the letter i, think "I'm close" (near). that / those — point away, think "over there" (far).
Used as adjectives (before a noun)
| Word | Example | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| this | This book is interesting. | este / esta |
| that | That car is expensive. | ese / esa / aquel / aquella |
| these | These shoes are comfortable. | estos / estas |
| those | Those children are happy. | esos / esas / aquellos / aquellas |
Used as pronouns (instead of a noun)
We also use this / that / these / those alone, without a noun after them:
| Sentence | Note |
|---|---|
| "This is my friend Maria." (introduction) | Very common for introductions |
| "What's that?" — "That's a penguin!" | Identifying objects |
| "These are my keys." | Presenting things |
| "Are those your glasses?" | Asking about distant things |
On the phone:
In English we say "This is Maria" (not "I am Maria") when introducing yourself on a phone call.
Exercise
1. ______ are my parents, standing right next to me.
2. Look at ______ mountain over there!
3. ______ is my pen — I'm using it right now.
4. ______ flowers over there are beautiful.
5. On the phone: "Hello, ______ is Tom. Is Maria there?"